Chicago Blackhawks Take Out Full Page Ad to Say Thank You

By Greg Higgins

Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports

After one of the best NHL postseasons in recent memory and a Stanley Cup Finals that will go down as one of the best of all times, the Chicago Blackhawks once again showed how classy they are as an organization. Chicago defeated the Boston Bruins in six games to capture the Stanley Cup for the second time in four years. Behind the stellar goaltending of Corey Crawford, Chicago was able to get past the Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings and the Los Angeles Kings before facing Boston.

The Finals saw three of the six games finish in overtime, and four of the games decided by one goal. The series-clinching game six also included one of the craziest and wildest finishes you’ll ever see in a hockey game, much less in the playoffs. With Boston up 2-1 in the closing minutes of the game, the Hawks rattled off two goals 17 seconds apart to take the lead and the win, capturing the Stanley Cup in the process. After celebrating and having a parade, the ownership of Chicago did something different and unique.

After winning the title in Boston on the Bruins home ice, the Hawks took out a full page ad in the Boston Globe thanking the Bruins and the city of Boston for their hospitality:

“Hockey is a tough game. As impressed as we were by the strength, talent, and competitive spirit of the Boston Bruins on the ice, we were deeply touched by what happened off the ice. Rarely have we experienced the hospitality you afforded us throughout the playoff series between two incredibly gifted teams.

On behalf of the Chicago Blackhawks organization and the entire Wirtz Corporation, we want to personally express our heartfelt appreciation to your city, the Bruins organization, and especially, the citizens of Boston for the remarkable welcome you showed our team and the many Chicagoans who visited.

From Boston’s political leadership to every member of the Bruins organization, from the players to the people on the street, you demonstrated respect, good sportsmanship, and a genuine love for the great game of hockey.

Like the rest of the world, Chicagoans have been reminded in recent days of Boston’s strength. Please know we tip our hat to your city’s big heart and gracious spirit. You lead by example and have set the bar very high for others to follow.”

Signed by owner Rocky Wirtz and team president John McDonough, this is an example of winning the right way. Some people may think this is a way for Chicago to take a jab at the city of Boston and the Bruins, but I think this is a sign of sportsmanship that we don’t see every day. For all the respect they’ve earned on the ice, this move should earn them equal respect off of it. It has in my eyes at least.